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Tonight, the spirits descend on earth: Ahead of Diwali, celebrating Bhoot Chaturdashi in India | Explained News

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Besides the grand narrative of the celebration of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya and the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is associated with various other traditional practices and rituals around the country. The day before Diwali, Chhoti Diwali — November 11 this year — is especially associated with beliefs around the descent of spirits on earth, and the slaying of the demon Narakasura, who embodied darkness. It is for these reasons that this day is also known as Bhoot or Naraka Chaturdashi. Here are some rituals associated with Diwali eve.

In Goa, huge effigies of the Asura King Narakasura are burnt across the state. The ‘Narakasura Vadh’ symbolises the defeat of Narakasura by Lord Krishna.

Historian Sanjeev V Sardesai said, “According to mythology, drunk on power, Narakasura caused a lot of destruction. He robbed the earrings of Lord Indra’s mother and kidnapped 16,000 women, which is believed to have caused darkness all around.” Narakasura was subsequently killed in a battle with Krishna.

Diwali Krishna Battles the Armies of the Demon Naraka: Page from a Dispersed Bhagavata Purana (Ancient Stories of Lord Vishnu). (Wikimedia Commons)

“Narakasura is supposed to have been killed in the early hours of the morning. So, effigies of Narkasura are filled with firecrackers and burnt at dawn. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The tradition gained prominence after Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule. Before liberation, the Portuguese suppressed any sort of local rituals,” he said.

In the days leading to the festival, youths across villages in Goa collect funds and build giant effigies of the demon. The effigies displayed in several competitions, with lucrative cash prizes on offer. “Over time, local politicians have promoted the tradition and with the infusion of money, the competitions are held on a grand scale,” Sardesai said.

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WEST BENGAL

On the day before Diwali (Chhoti Diwali), people in West Bengal observe ‘Bhoot Chaturdashi’, which is the same as ‘Narak Chaturdashi’, or ‘Kali Chaudash’. This is the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. Bhoot Chaturdashi is being celebrated in Bengal on November 11 this year.

Diwali ‘Aghoris’, Shaivite ascetics of the Tantric ‘kapalik’ tradition, dancing. (Wikimedia Commons)

It is believed on this night, the souls of the deceased come down to earth to visit their dear ones. It is also believed that 14 generations of forefathers visit their living relatives, and to guide them to the family homes, 14 oil lamps are placed at different places in the house. The 14 lamps (‘choddo prodip’) are intended both to welcome the forefathers, and to chase away evil spirits. It is also a ritual to consume 14 different types of ‘saag’ or leafy vegetables (‘choddo shaak’) to mark the occasion.

At some places, ‘Aghoris’, Shaivite ascetics of the Tantric ‘kapalik’ tradition, gather on Bhoot Chaturdashi to carry out ‘puja’ and Tantric rituals. The Aghoris sometimes frequent burning ghats or cremation grounds, and often seek surviving bones of burnt corpses for use as part of their ritual paraphernalia.’’

GUJARAT

Kaklat Kadhvo

On the evening of Kali Chaudash (chaturdashi), which is the day before Diwali (Chhoti Diwali in North India), many people in Gujarat perform a ritual called ‘kaklat kadhvo’, which figuratively means getting rid of clamour and troubles.

At the centre of the ritual is the ‘vada’, a homemade fried snack made from black gram flour. At dusk, women go to the village square or, in cities, to the corner of their homes, draw a circle by pouring water, and leave the ‘vadas’ in the centre as an offering to the ‘pretatmas’ (souls of those who died unnatural deaths). As the women head home after performing the ritual, they do not look back — for the belief is, the ‘kaklats’ will not leave the house if they do.

In the villages, the ‘bhuvas’ (religious head of the community) go to the village cremation ground on the evening of Kali Chaudash with a sword, some black gram, and a few other things, and perform a ritual to “control the spirits”.

It is also believed that burning of oil on Kali Chaudash will lessen the element of ‘kaklat’ (quarrels, clamour, resentment, domestic grievances etc.) in their lives.

Alas Kadhvi

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On Bestu Varsh, the Gujarati New Year that is celebrated on the day after Diwali, Gujarati families traditionally do the ‘Alas Kadhvi’, in which women clean the house and carry the household garbage in an old earthen pot to dispose of it outside the village (or housing society in cities). It also involves clanking the earthen pot with a stick. It is symbolic of ushering in Goddess Lakshmi.
When the New Year dawns, buying ‘sabras’, which is granular salt, is considered auspicious. Vendors come to people’s homes early in the morning, and hand over packets of ‘sabras’. People give the vendors ‘dakshina’ ( a voluntary honorarium) as per their wish and ability.

Chopda Poojan, Labh Paacham

On the day of Diwali, Gujarati businesses close their financial year and accounts for that year in a ritual called ‘Chopda Poojan’, in which the traditional account books are worshipped at the auspicious hour. No business is transacted in the days after Diwali until the fifth day of the New Year, marking ‘Labh Paacham’.

On the fifth day of the new year, Gujarati businessmen open new account books by drawing the ‘saathiyo’ (swastika) with vermillion on them. (Nowadays it is done even on computer screens), and prayers are said to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. This day is considered the first working day of the new year. ‘Labh Paacham’ is also considered auspicious to launch new businesses.



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Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

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According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.

This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.

Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.

Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.

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Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

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The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.

The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.

When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.

Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)

The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.

On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features

Display:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Processor and Performance:

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.

Operating System:

The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Camera:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging:

Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.

Connectivity:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.

Security:

For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.

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The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.

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